Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Events Newswire

Emerging Leaders Summer 2026 9/1/2026 8:30 AM - 9/1/2026 10:30 AM

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:39:46 GMT

Emerging Leaders

Celebrating over a decade of leadership impact, Emerging Leaders, established in 2011, is a dynamic 8-week program designed to expand the capacity of tomorrow’s leaders. Limited to 20 participants each session, this exclusive cohort experience immerses professionals in leadership strategies, emerging local trends, and peer-driven learning in an intimate, high-impact environment.

Through a curated blend of personal evaluation, small-group interactions, and engagement with Raleigh-area executives and business leaders, participants acquire actionable skills, sharpen self-awareness, and broaden their networks. Since its launch, the program has empowered over 400 participants to elevate their leadership and make meaningful community impact.

For questions, email Janet Potter.

Metro Metrics 2026 9/2/2026 8:30 AM - 9/2/2026 11:30 AM

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:03:39 GMT

Discover how Raleigh stacks up and stays ahead.
Raleigh and Wake County consistently rank among the nation’s most competitive metros for business, talent, and quality of life. At Metro Metrics, we’ll explore the data and insights shaping our region’s future and learn what it takes to build a community that’s always asking, “What’s Next?”

2026 Metro Metrics Report
Kick off the event with Ted Abernathy of Economic Leadership, as he unveils the latest comparison of the 100 largest U.S. metros. With 268 indicators distilled into six powerful indexes, this report reveals the forces shaping economic growth and site selection - and how the Raleigh metro is positioning itself as a leader in the next era of competitiveness. Every attendee will receive a newly-released Metro Comparisons publication.

Voices from Peer Communities
Hear from economic development leaders representing three peer metros. They’ll share candid insights on their successes, challenges, and strategies for growth—and how their experiences compare to ours. Check back as we confirm additional speakers.
Speaker: James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Boston Chamber

The Future Through the Eyes of Site Selectors
Finally, gain an insider’s view from three of the nation’s top site selection consultants. Discover how they frame Raleigh’s story for global companies, what differentiates us in a crowded marketplace, and how we can amplify our strengths to capture the opportunities of tomorrow.

No refunds after Aug. 26.

Questions?
For content questions, call 919.664.7035 or email Haley Waxman.
For logistics questions or ADA needs, call 919.664.7080 or email Taylor Sullivan.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship information, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber

New Member Orientation - September 2026 9/2/2026 8:00 AM - 9/2/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:28:24 GMT

This free event is for new members who have not attended previously.

Registration | 8 - 8:30 a.m.
Program | 8:30 - 10 a.m.

Maximize Your Membership

Welcome to the Chamber! Find out how to get involved and make the most of your membership, and make your first new connections as a Chamber member. You’ll learn about 75+ members as first-time attendees give 30-second overviews about their companies.

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#ChamberNMO

Triangle Workforce Strategies: Multigenerational Workplaces 9/3/2026 11:00 AM - 9/3/2026 1:00 PM

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:47:50 GMT

Triangle Workforce Strategies

The Alliance’s Triangle Workforce Strategies series is designed to provide insights and strategies for creating a more inclusive and effective workforce. Each session is designed to provide attendees with strategic tools and actionable takeaways they can implement within their own organizations.

No refunds after Aug. 27.

Questions?
For questions about speakers or the agenda, call 919.664.7066 or email Torri Staton.
For questions about registration, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Join the conversation on X!
@raleighchamber
@RaleighWake

Emerging Leaders Summer 2026 9/8/2026 8:30 AM - 9/8/2026 10:30 AM

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:09:29 GMT

For questions, email Janet Potter.

First Responders Appreciation Breakfast 2026 9/10/2026 7:00 AM - 9/10/2026 9:30 AM

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:44:16 GMT

The Triangle's Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast

This annual event provides an opportunity for the business community to show appreciation for those who risk their lives to save others in our community. Our program includes awards to heroes from each department for outstanding service in the previous year. This year's program will feature a keynote presentation from Jeffrey Smythe, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Jeffrey has served as Director of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Division since August 2021, where he oversees statewide standards shaping the professionalism and readiness of law enforcement officers.

As former Chief of the Burlington Police Department, he led impactful initiatives advancing officer wellness, strengthening preparedness, promoting de-escalation, addressing implicit bias, and expanding access to behavioral health resources.

A Philadelphia native, he began his career with Arizona State University Police and holds advanced degrees and executive leadership credentials from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Northwestern University, and the FBI National Academy.

No refunds after September 2.

Questions?
For program/agenda questions, call 919-412-6209 or email Kathryn Yoakum.
For logistics questions or ADA needs, call 919.664.7011 or email Jen Palmer.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship information, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#FRAB26

Emerging Leaders Summer 2026 9/15/2026 8:30 AM - 9/15/2026 10:30 AM

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:09:37 GMT

For questions, email Janet Potter.

Coffee with Leaders - September 2026 9/15/2026 8:30 AM - 9/15/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:57:37 GMT

This event is open to Greater Raleigh Chamber members only.

Registration | 8:30 - 9 a.m.
Program | 9 - 10 a.m.

Coffee with Leaders Series
Practical Insights. Real Solutions. Built for Small Business.

Start your morning with meaningful connection and practical inspiration at our Coffee With Leaders series. We sit down with a local business leader who’s shaping the region’s economic landscape to explore what it takes to grow, adapt, and lead in an ever-changing environment.

In today’s fast-moving business climate—marked by shifting markets, economic uncertainty, and evolving customer expectations—staying comfortable isn’t an option. Our featured leader will share real-world lessons from their entrepreneurial journey, including how they’ve navigated challenges, built resilient operations, and positioned their organization for long-term success.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, emerging leader, or seasoned executive, Coffee With Leaders offers the chance to learn from those who have built, scaled, and steered organizations through complexity—and come out stronger on the other side.

Join us for fresh coffee, powerful insights, and conversations that fuel your next step forward.

RSVP by September 1

Questions?
For questions about the agenda, call 919.664.7037 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#ChamberCoffee

Young Professionals Network New Member Orientation - September 2026 9/17/2026 8:30 AM - 9/17/2026 10:00 AM

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:57:56 GMT

Included in Young Professionals Network membership.

Get the Most out of Your Membership in the Young Professionals Network

Did you recently join the Young Professionals Network? Then join us at the Young Professionals Network New Member Orientation! At this orientation, you will learn what benefits come with your Young Professionals Network membership and hear about our upcoming events.

Attending our Young Professionals Network New Member Orientation is also a great way for you to connect with other new members!

This event is open only to Young Professional Network Members.

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Let's stay connected!
Facebook: Raleigh YPN
Instagram: @RaleighYPN
LinkedIn: Raleigh YPN
Twitter: @RaleighChamber
#RaleighYPN

Emerging Leaders Summer 2026 9/22/2026 8:30 AM - 9/22/2026 10:30 AM

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:09:48 GMT

For questions, email Janet Potter.

138th Annual Meeting 9/25/2026 11:30 AM - 9/25/2026 2:30 PM

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:41:41 GMT

Registration and Networking | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Program | 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Join us for the Greater Raleigh Chamber’s 138th Annual Meeting, our biggest annual gathering of business, civic, and community leaders from across the region.

This year’s luncheon is a chance to celebrate the leadership, momentum, and community partnership that continue to shape Raleigh’s future. We will reflect on the past year, recognize the people making a real difference in our community, and look ahead to the work still in front of us.

This is one of the Chamber’s most anticipated events each year, and early registration is encouraged.

Program highlights include:
- Passing of the Gavel as Kristen M. Hess, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HH Architecture, passes leadership to Mitch Perry, Chair-Elect and Chief Financial Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
- Presentation of the A.E. Finley Distinguished Service Award, one of the Chamber’s highest honors for leadership and service
- Recognition of the progress and accomplishments of the Chamber’s members and partners across the region
- A keynote address from Shane O’Kelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

Featured Keynote Speaker
Shane O’Kelly
President and Chief Executive Officer, Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

As the CEO of one of the Triangle's largest public companies, Shane is leading through challenges and decisions familiar to many business leaders today.

As the leader of a local Fortune 500 company working through a major reset, Shane has had to make hard decisions, restore focus, and keep people aligned through a period of significant change. His message will be grounded in experience and focused on the realities leaders face when the pressure is real.

Attendees can expect a candid look at operational discipline, decision-making under pressure, and what it takes to keep a team moving in the same direction during difficult seasons.

He also brings a leadership background that is broader than many business audiences may realize. A West Point graduate, Harvard MBA, and former U.S. Army infantry officer, Shane has led across retail, distribution, and industrial businesses and now serves at the helm of Advance Auto Parts.

About Shane O’Kelly
Shane O’Kelly has served as Advance Auto Parts President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2023. In that time, he has led the company on a comeback journey with a strategy focused on delivering quality parts and excellent service to both professional and DIY customers.

Shane’s career has taken him across retail, distribution, and industrial businesses. Before his time in business, he spent seven years as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, an experience that shaped his leadership approach.

Prior to joining Advance, Shane was the CEO of HD Supply, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Home Depot, Inc. He also previously served as the CEO of Home Depot Pro, formerly known as Interline Brands, Inc. Shane’s leadership experience also includes serving as CEO of PetroChoice, the nation's largest distributor of lubricants and lubrication solutions, and as CEO of AH Harris, a specialty construction supply distributor. Early in his career, he held other roles at The Home Depot and worked as an engagement manager at McKinsey and Company.

During Shane’s time in the U.S. Army, he graduated from both Airborne and Ranger schools and served as a rifle platoon leader and company commander. He completed numerous deployments with the 1st Cavalry Division and the 325th Airborne.

Shane holds a bachelor’s degree from The United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He resides with his family in Raleigh, NC.

No refunds after Sept. 18.

Questions?
For questions about the agenda, call 919.664.7037 or email Devin Brown.
For logistics questions or ADA needs, call 919.664.7080 or email Taylor Sullivan.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.
For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, email sales@raleighchamber.org.

Join the conversation on social media!
@raleighchamber
#GRCAnnual26

Business After Hours - September 2026 9/28/2026 5:00 PM - 9/28/2026 7:00 PM

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:02:43 GMT

This event is open to Greater Raleigh Chamber and Young Professionals Network members only.

Meet New Connections and Network at Business After Hours

Gather with fellow Chamber members for an evening of connection inside a space where everyday living meets intentional design. Hosted at The Loading Dock's Whitaker Mill Road location, this event offers a look into one of Raleigh's leading co-working spaces, founded by Phillip Murphy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to network with Chamber members while you discover a local business that believes we all do better together - providing over 1,800 members with a place to do business and make connections.

RSVP by September 24

Questions?
For questions on content, call 919.664.7090 or email Mimi Miller.
For registration questions, call 919.664.7033 or email Alea Morales.

Join the conversation on X!
@raleighchamber
#RaleighBAH